We all know one of the best parts of the holiday season are the lights. There’s nothing better than driving around, looking at everyone’s Christmas light displays.
Of course, hanging Christmas string lights can be a daunting task. With these helpful tips from Blain’s Farm & Fleet, you can make your home shine bright on even the darkest winter night.
When hanging Christmas lights, safety needs to come first. You need to use a covered ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. If there’s an overcurrent, the outlet will shut down the circuit.
And don’t run cords out of your windows or under doors.
Before buying or hanging light strings, come up with a plan. Take a look at the front of your house, and decide where you want to hang the lights.
In addition to the usual gutters and windows, see if you have any other areas that would look good with lights. You can wrap them around things like pillars and posts. And don’t forget your plants! Bushes and trees look great wrapped in Christmas lights.
Once you know where you want the lights, measure each of those areas. This will help ensure that you get the right amount.
Your lights need to be made for outdoor use. Don’t use indoor lights outside. You want Christmas lights that are waterproof or water resistant.
Also make sure they have a UL tag, which means they meet national safety standards. Your extension cords should also be rated for outdoor use.
It’s important to inspect your lights and outdoor extension cords before you use them. Test your lights (even if they’re brand new) on the ground before you start hanging them up. You don’t want to hang everything only to realize half of the lights don’t work.
Don’t use damaged or frayed cords. They’re a safety hazard that could potentially start sparks or a fire. Plus, your display won’t light up.
Say goodbye to nails and clothespins. You can use outdoor light clips on window frames, siding, gutters, and more to attach your light strands.
They can help you keep the lights upright and evenly spaced for a more uniform look. They also work great if you’re planning on making a design with the lights on the side of your house.
If you’re hanging Christmas lights from lower eaves, a sturdy stepladder can work. If not, you’ll need an extension ladder.
Make sure the ladder is firmly set on level ground. Safety should be your top priority when you’re hanging lights.
At Blain’s Farm & Fleet, we understand you want to celebrate the season with the best holiday light display. That’s why we carry a wide selection of indoor and outdoor Christmas lights, ranging from incandescent lights to LED lights. Plus, you can make your yard even merrier with our outdoor Christmas decorations.
For more tips on decorating for the holidays, check out our other Seasonal Activities articles.
